The Southern Lakes Festival of Colour, based in and around Wanaka, is a biennial celebration of the arts. Running from the 12th -17th April 2011, the festival comprises six exciting days and nights of astounding performances and inspiring exhibitions set against the spectacular autumnal backdrop of the Southern Lakes.

Exciting announcements for the 2011 Festival include two new plays to be commissioned by the Festival.  Riverside Drive is being written by award winning screen writer Graeme Tetley and directed by Sara Brodie and will feature a local cast of high school drama students, Flat Out Productions and some good blokes.  It’s New Zealand in the early 1950′s when teenagers got sex and rock and roll and broke free from so many social constraints. A sure-fire sell out.  Rita and Douglas is another premiere of a brand new play based on the relationship between painter Rita Angus and composer Douglas Lilburn. It stars leading NZ actress Jennifer Ward-Lealand and top musician Michael Houstoun. A knock-out show.

All of this along with the very popular Aspiring Conversations programme of ideas, discussion and debate as well as dance, music, art exhibitions, Schoolfest, street performers and more. So make sure you are in Wanaka for the 2011 Festival of Colour and get in early to book your Wanaka accommodation at the Hayloft and your tickets. The programme is released on Thursday 10 February 2011 with patrons and sponsors priority booking until public booking starts on Monday 21 February 2011.

Say hello to Noosa the little tom cat, the Hayloft’s newest resident. At the moment he’s a guest but we think soon he’ll have to join the staff team!

Noosa was an unexpected addition to the Hayloft and has already used up one of his 9 lives.

It was a really hot day yesterday, and we were out walking along the true left of the Clutha River between Luggate and Albert Town, exploring a route for a new walking and cycling track, when we noticed something caught in a rabbit fence.

At first we thought it was a dead rabbit as it had a few flies circling, but as we got closer, we saw it was still moving and it was a little ferral kitten.

It was obviously exhausted and put up little resistance as we tried to free it. It took about 15 minutes of gentle manipulation both of the fence and the kitten, but we managed to get him out. At this point we just couldn’t bear to leave him to fend for himself in his exhausted state.

Julie carried him in her hat and we made our way on to the footbridge over the Hawea River. Back at the Hayloft, Noosa drank some milk and ate a little bit of food, but was still terrified and exhausted.

Today, he paid his first visited the vet who said he’s 5 or 6 weeks old and in as good a condition as can be expected after his ordeal. He is still very timid, but eating and drinking and very slowing starting to explore.

Our next challenge is to introduce him to Pebble & Splodge, our 2 resident female cats!

The Hayloft really is built from straw! If you stay in our unique Wanaka apartment you will see our truth window – the key to the Hayloft’s character and warmth. We are often asked about the building process. Take a look at the Hayloft page where you will find some pictures of the construction.

Happy New Year! Book a stay direct with us for two or more nights and we will include a complimentary bottle of delicious Central Otago Pinot Noir valued at $36. Offer applies to bookings for stays between 1st January –  31st January 2011. Booking must be made with us directly through our website, see our bookings page for availability.

The Labour Weekend will be a barrel of fun and full of entertaining communtity events as Wanaka locals celebrate the start of the summer season.

Highlights this year include

Wednesday 20th
Passion For Fashion Show – 7 to 9.30pm at The Lake Wanaka Centre.
The highlight for me is the Piggies for Fashion which will be on display. These are the famous piggies from the BNZ bank ads that have been given a serious makeover by talented locals.

Thursday 21st
Moviefest – 7 to 9pm at Lonestar.
This is a competition showcasing local filmmakers short films of approx 2.5 to 3 minutes each.

Friday 22nd

Wanakafest Street Parade – 5.30 to 6.30 Town Centre

Saturday 23rd

Food and Wine Fest -10.30 – 5pm Pembroke Park

A delicious celebration of Wanaka Wines and foods with all the wines grown in Wanaka, complimented by food from talented local chefs.

Sunday 24th

Rotary Rubber Duck Race – 10.30 at Bullock Creek

Come and join the locals as we celebrate living in the best place in New Zealand!

More information about Wanakafest is available at  http://www.wanakafest.co.nz/

Hayloft in the Snow

As I am posting this, fresh snow is falling to near ground level in Wanaka. Looks like August will be great for skiing or boarding at Cardrona, Treble Cone, and the Snow Park.

Check out our winter specials….

20% discount for 3 night bookings or 25% discount for bookings of 6 nights or more.

Hope to see you soon

Challenge Wanaka must be the worlds most scenic iron distance triathlon covering a distance of 226km.

Described by athletes as one of the best in the international circuit, it is set against the magnificent background of Lake Wanaka and the Mt Aspiring National Park.

The mental and physical challenges will push athletes to their limits but the support of the locals is superb with the resulting atmosphere helping the most exhusted competitor over the finish line.

The weather in Lake Wanaka in January is stunning, and an average day is 26-28 degrees celcius with clear blue skies and very little wind. It is however an alpine environment so athletes must be prepared for all eventualities.

Registration for the main event starts at 9am on Thursday 14th January 2010, with the main race starting at 7am on Saturday 16th January.

For more information see www.challenge-wanaka.com

Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2010 will be a must-see airshow. For three days over Easter, Lake Wanaka will become centre-stage for an extravaganza of aerial action that will delight both aviation buffs, families and those wanting a superb days entertainment. At Warbirds Over Wanaka you are so close to the continuous action you feel like you are in the pilot’s seat.

For more information visit: www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com